The Surprising Reason He Was Attacked
When I first met Leonis, he was pressed so flat against the floor of his kennel it looked like he was trying to melt into the concrete. His ears were up, radar locked, but his whole body screamed “don’t notice me, maybe I’ll disappear.” If you’ve ever walked a shelter row, you know—that’s the kind of sight that breaks your heart. (Watch Video Above)
But I also knew: this wasn’t the whole story. This wasn’t who Leonis was. This was survival mode. And my job was to help him find his way back.
First Impressions: A Freeze That Wasn’t Really Freeze
Most people think of fight or flight when they picture fear. But there’s another response—freeze. Dogs like Leonis sometimes take it a step further, into what I call “form.” It’s almost a performance: If I act small enough, compliant enough, maybe the world will leave me alone.
His breathing was heavy, his paws—giant puppy mittens—shook under him. But those alert herding-dog eyes told me he wasn’t checked out. He was paying attention, just terrified.
Who Is Leonis? A Border Collie Mix With a Big Backstory
Once I got his file, the pieces started falling into place. Leonis is about three years old and likely a Border Collie mix, maybe with Australian Shepherd or even Husky in the blend. His striking bandit mask and piercing eyes certainly point that way.
That means he’s smart—really smart. These breeds are built to work, think, and problem-solve all day long. Stuck in a kennel with no outlet, their minds race circles until they burn out. It’s like handing Einstein a crossword puzzle and locking him in a closet.
And Leonis has been locked in that kennel for a while. He came into Riverside County’s San Jacinto Animal Shelter just before the Fourth of July. Fireworks season is notorious for lost dogs, and staff suspect he may have bolted in fear.
But his time at the shelter took another tough turn: weeks in, he got into a scuffle with a kennelmate. The other dog injured him badly enough to need staples. Leonis recovered physically, but the trauma left its mark.
After that, his confidence plummeted. Alone in his kennel, his fear only deepened.
Small Wins: Muffins, Pac-Man, and Friendship Bites
So, how do you rebuild trust with a dog like Leonis? Slowly. Patiently. And with snacks.
I started with what I call “friendship bites.” You know how if a neighbor brings you fresh-baked muffins, you suddenly see them in a new light? Same principle here. A little jerky here, a biscuit there, with time in between so Leonis had a chance to think: That felt good. Maybe I want more.
Then we moved on to what I call the Pac-Man game. I lined up treats in a trail, each one a step closer to me. Leonis sniffed, nibbled, thought it over… then bravely crept forward for the next one. Watching him work the puzzle with that sharp Border Collie brain was magic. Every treat was a victory.
Training Takeaway: Make Room for Bravery
Here’s a tip you can use with your own nervous pup:
- Engage their senses. A fearful dog is often 100% fear. Smell and taste are powerful enough to carve out space for something else.
- Give them time. Don’t rapid-fire treats. Space them out so your dog can process and choose to re-engage.
- Celebrate the first step. The goal isn’t a perfect sit or roll-over—it’s that tiny brave moment where they decide fear won’t win.
That’s the real trophy.
Love Letters & The Scoop
One of the best parts of this session? Leonis got to open packages from you—our Sitting With Dogs community. Bandanas, toys, donations, even hand-written letters from kids cheering him on.
At first, Leonis wasn’t sure what to do with a toy. Then, click—the squeaker went off, and his whole body lit up. Tail swish. Head tilt. The beginnings of play. Watching him experience joy again, even just for a second, was the highlight of my day.
That’s the scoop: connection matters. Not just from me, but from all of you. Every package, every word of encouragement helps these dogs remember the world isn’t only scary—it can be full of kindness.
Why His Name Matters
The shelter staff nicknamed him Leonis, which means “lion-like” or “brave.” It’s not just a name—it’s a promise. A vision of the dog he’s meant to become: strong, confident, free.
When I said it out loud, his ears perked. He knew. That’s me.
Next Steps: Be the Leader Leonis Deserves
Leonis is young, whip-smart, and packed with energy. He needs a person who will give him structure, exercise, and leadership—the kind that herding breeds thrive under. He’s not a dog for someone looking for a couch potato. But if you want a partner for hikes, training, or just keeping your brain sharp alongside his, Leonis will be the most loyal teammate you’ve ever had.
And he’s ready. He’s been ready since July.
If you have room in your life for this brave boy, reach out to San Jacinto Animal Shelter (Riverside County Animal Services). If you can’t adopt, please share his story—because you never know who in your circle is searching for their soul dog.
Leonis, the lion-hearted. He’s waiting. And the first brave step is already behind him.
